Hunters gearing up for the start of whitetail deer season in South Texas on Nov. 2 have their sights set on harvesting that trophy buck — the biggest deer with outsized antlers.
Scientifically formulated nutrition is key to a successful hunting season, according to Matt McMillan, manager of dealer and rancher sales for Hi-Pro Feeds. The company is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance animal feed and nutrition services.
McMillan said that the Trophy Pro line of deer feed from Hi-Pro offers the precise balance of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients to promote deer health and size. McMillan earned his doctorate in ruminant nutrition, the study of herbivore diets like that of deer, cattle and sheep, and how diet relates to their digestion, growth and performance.
Feeding deer in pastures or pens
For deer roaming on native pastures, Trophy Pro Premium and Trophy Pro Select are the hunter’s best choice, McMillan said. “For high-fenced deer, Trophy Pro Premium, Breeder and Exotic feeds match the nutritional needs of these animals.”
Not just protein
“The Trophy Pro feeds have a lot of research and science behind the formulations,” McMillan said. “In addition to the protein the animals need, the vitamins and minerals in Trophy Pro help with gastrointestinal health so the deer can better absorb the natural browse and forbs they prefer. When the browse and forbs all burns off in the heat and there’s nothing left for the deer to eat, Trophy Pro supplements their diet, especially during the time of antler growth.”
Some ranchers feed their deer just corn, but that isn’t enough, McMillan said. “Corn provides energy, but it’s deficient in the vitamins and minerals deer need.” The nutritional enhancement in Trophy Pro is especially important in fall and winter, when natural food sources are drastically declining, he said.
Available with protein percentages of 16%, 17% and 20%, Trophy Pro deer feeds fortify the animals’ diet, encourage consumption and boost their overall health. “Trophy Pro helps ranchers take better care of their animals so they can grow the biggest possible antlers,” McMillan said. Â
Top ingredients for top performance
Hi-Pro Feeds’ Trophy Pro includes flavor enhancers to attract the deer, as well as vitamins that are crucial for bone and muscle development. The Trophy Pro Breeder feed includes additional trace minerals as well as probiotics, yeast and calcium to support immune health, enhance reproduction and help reduce parasites.
“When animals are stressed by heat, breeding or other events, Trophy Pro helps them to be in their best possible health and achieve their genetic potential,” McMillan said. “Just like humans feel and perform better when they eat better, so do deer.” Â
Block and bag
Deer typically need between .5 and 2 pounds per head per day under normal pasture circumstances, according to Hi-Pro Feeds guidelines. “The feed is available for delivery in bags or bulk blocks to suit the rancher’s preference,” McMillan said.
Get closer to that trophy buck this hunting season. Learn more about Hi-Pro Feeds Trophy Pro line of deer feed at hiprofeeds.com.
